Conveyor

Abstract

A conveyor according to an embodiment comprises: a conveyor belt configured to move an object; a clamping member configured to clamp the object; a case spaced apart from the clamping member in a first direction; an actuator shaped to extend from the case toward the clamping member, and including a plunger configured to move by a designated distance in the first direction with respect to the case; a coupling member fastened to the clamping member to be movable together with the clamping member, and penetrated by the plunger; and a first elastic member configured to contact the plunger and the coupling member such that, when the plunger moves, the coupling member is pressurized in the first direction, thereby moving the clamping member. The first elastic member is configured to deform to compensate for the designated distance of the plunger in response to a change in the size of the object.

Description

conveyor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveyor.

[0002] A conveyor can refer to a device for moving objects. Since conveyors can move objects of various sizes quickly and efficiently, they are utilized in a wide range of fields. Furthermore, research is being conducted on conveyors capable of performing inspections while transporting objects. Such conveyors may include a clamping structure to secure the objects being transported by the conveyor at a specific location on the conveyor.

[0003] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a conveyor comprising a clamping structure capable of clamping objects of various sizes while having a relatively simple structure.

[0004] A conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a conveyor belt configured to move an object, a clamping member configured to fix the object, a case spaced apart from the clamping member in a first direction, an actuator including a plunger having a shape extending from the case toward the clamping member and configured to move a distance specified in the first direction relative to the case, a coupling member that is coupled to the clamping member and is movable together with the clamping member and is penetrated by the plunger, and a first elastic member configured to move the clamping member by pressing the coupling member in the first direction when the plunger moves by contacting the plunger and the coupling member, wherein the first elastic member may be configured to deform to compensate for the specified distance of the plunger in response to a change in the size of the object.

[0005] In one embodiment, the conveyor may further include a second elastic member configured to press the plunger in a second direction opposite to the first direction by contacting a part of the plunger located between the coupling member and the case with the case.

[0006] In one embodiment, the conveyor further includes a magnet attached to the case and configured to fix the position of the clamping member by providing a force in the first direction to the plunger, and the clamping member may be configured to move in the second direction by the pressure of the plunger as the magnetism of the magnet is removed by externally applied power.

[0007] In one embodiment, the conveyor may further include a first buffer member attached to the coupling member, and a second buffer member attached to the part of the plunger and facing the first buffer member.

[0008] In one embodiment, the plunger comprises a first extension portion having a first cross-sectional area and extending from the case toward the clamping member, a first flange portion disposed on the first extension portion and having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area, a second extension portion disposed on the first flange portion and having a third cross-sectional area smaller than the second cross-sectional area, and a second flange portion disposed on the second extension portion and having a fourth cross-sectional area larger than the third cross-sectional area, and the first elastic member may surround the second extension portion and contact the second flange portion and the coupling member.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first flange portion and the second extension portion are formed integrally, and the plunger may be formed by combining the first extension portion, the first flange portion, the second extension portion, and the second flange portion through a fastening member that penetrates the first extension portion, the first flange portion, the second extension portion, and the second flange portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the clamping member may include a first cover portion that is fastened to the coupling member and extends along a second direction opposite to the first direction, a second cover portion that is connected to the first cover portion and is perpendicular to the first cover portion, and a clamping portion that extends from the second cover portion along the first direction and is configured to contact the object so as to be perpendicular to the second cover portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the coupling member may include a planar portion having a hole penetrating the plunger, and a fastening portion that is bent with respect to the planar portion and extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction to be fastened to the clamping member.

[0012] In one embodiment, the conveyor may further include a base supporting the conveyor belt and a plurality of fastening members that fasten the case to the base by penetrating the case on one side of the base.

[0013] In one embodiment, the conveyor may further include a plurality of cushioning members surrounding the plurality of fastening members.

[0014] In one embodiment, the conveyor may further include a plurality of lower guides coupled to the base and configured to support the lower surface of the conveyor belt, having a shape extended along the direction of movement of the object, and a plurality of upper guides coupled to the base and configured to support the upper surface of the conveyor belt, having a shape extended along the direction of movement of the object.

[0015] In one embodiment, among the plurality of upper guides, the upper guide positioned at a position corresponding to the position of the clamping member may include a first portion having a first thickness and a plurality of second portions connected to both ends of the first portion and having a second thickness thinner than the first thickness.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a conveyor may be provided that includes a clamping structure capable of clamping objects of various sizes while having a relatively simple structure.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating the clamping structure of a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a clamping structure of a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a clamping structure of a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an object being moved on a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6a shows the state of an object before it is clamped by a clamping structure on a conveyor according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a conveyor according to one embodiment cut along A-A' of FIG. 6a.

[0024] FIG. 7a shows a state in which an object is clamped by a clamping structure on a conveyor according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a conveyor according to one embodiment cut along B-B' of FIG. 7a.

[0026] FIG. 8 shows an example of an object being moved on a conveyor according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an object different from FIG. 7b being clamped in a conveyor according to one embodiment.

[0028] The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative for the purpose of explaining the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of rights according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below or the specific description thereof.

[0029] All technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure, unless otherwise defined, have the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. All terms used in this disclosure are selected for the purpose of further clarifying this disclosure and are not selected to limit the scope of the rights under this disclosure.

[0030] Expressions such as 'comprising', 'having', 'having', etc. used in this disclosure should be understood as open-ended terms implying the possibility of including other embodiments, unless otherwise stated in the phrase or sentence containing such expressions.

[0031] Unless otherwise stated, singular expressions described in this disclosure may include a plural meaning, and this applies likewise to singular expressions described in the claims.

[0032] Expressions such as 'first', 'second', etc. used in this disclosure are used to distinguish multiple components from one another and do not limit the order or importance of said components.

[0033] In the present disclosure, where it is stated that a component is 'connected' or 'combined' to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or combined to the other component, or connected or combined through a new component.

[0034] Embodiments are described with reference to the examples illustrated in the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Additionally, in the description of the following embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, even if a description of a component is omitted, it is not intended that such component is not included in any embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a conveyor (100) according to one embodiment may include a base (110), a conveyor belt (120), a plurality of rollers (130), a motor (140), a plurality of upper guides (150), a plurality of lower guides (160) and / or a clamping structure (200). Meanwhile, the conveyor (100) may have a structure that is symmetric with respect to the direction of movement of an object (e.g., +x direction). Accordingly, the conveyor (100) may include at least one pair of the components described below with respect to the direction of movement of an object (e.g., +x direction), but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The base (110) can support components of the conveyor (100). For example, the base (110) can support a conveyor belt (120), a plurality of rollers (130), a motor (140), a plurality of upper guides (150), a plurality of lower guides (160) and / or a clamping structure (200). The base (110) can maintain the position of the conveyor (100) by being fixed to the ground where the conveyor (100) is installed, but is not limited thereto. For example, the base (110) can maintain the position of the conveyor (100) by its own weight without being fixed to the ground.

[0038] A conveyor belt (120) may be configured to move an object. The conveyor belt (120) may be coupled to a base (110). For example, the conveyor belt (120) may be coupled to the base (110) so as to be movable relative to the base (110). As the conveyor belt (120) moves relative to the base (110), an object on the conveyor belt (120) may be moved by the conveyor belt (120). The conveyor belt (120) may have the form of a closed loop.

[0039] A plurality of rollers (130) can support the conveyor belt (120). The plurality of rollers (130) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of rollers (130) may maintain tension on the conveyor belt (120) so that the conveyor belt (120) can smoothly transport objects. The plurality of rollers (130) may be coupled to the base (110) so as to be rotatable with respect to the base (110). The plurality of rollers (130) may be fixed to the base (110). The conveyor belt (120) may be wound around each of the plurality of rollers (130).

[0040] The motor (140) can provide driving force to the conveyor belt (120) so that the conveyor belt (120) can move relative to the base (110). The motor (140) can be coupled (or fixed) to the base (110). A portion of the conveyor belt (120) can be wound around the motor (140). As the motor (140) rotates a portion of the conveyor belt (120), the conveyor belt (120) moves relative to the base (110), and a plurality of rollers (130) can rotate relative to the base (110).

[0041] A plurality of upper guides (150) can support (or guide) the conveyor belt (120). A plurality of upper guides (150) can support the upper surface of the conveyor belt (120). A plurality of upper guides (150) can be fixed to the base (110). A plurality of upper guides (150) may have a shape that extends along the direction of movement of an object (e.g., +x direction). A plurality of upper guides (150) may be spaced apart from each other along the direction of movement of an object (e.g., +x direction).

[0042] A plurality of lower guides (160) together with a plurality of upper guides (150) can support (or guide) the conveyor belt (120). A plurality of lower guides (160) can support the lower surface of the conveyor belt (120). For example, the conveyor belt (120) can move relative to the base (110) between a plurality of upper guides (150) and a plurality of lower guides (160). A plurality of lower guides (160) can be fixed to the base (110). A plurality of lower guides (160) may have a shape that extends along the direction of movement of an object (e.g., +x direction). A plurality of lower guides (160) may be spaced apart from each other along the direction of movement of an object (e.g., +x direction).

[0043] The clamping structure (200) can clamp (or fix) an object. The clamping structure (200) can be positioned (or coupled) to one side of the base (110). The clamping structure (200) may include a clamping member (210) configured to fix an object. The clamping member (210) may be movable relative to the base (110). By moving the clamping member (210) in a first direction (e.g., -z direction) relative to the base (110), the clamping member (210) can clamp an object on the conveyor belt (120).

[0044] An upper guide (151) positioned at a location corresponding to the clamping member (210) among a plurality of upper guides (150) may include a stepped structure. For example, the upper guide (151) may include a first part (151a) and a plurality of second parts (152a). The first part (151a) may have a first thickness. The thickness of one component may represent a distance in a first direction (e.g., -z direction), and such expression may be used substantially the same below unless otherwise noted. The first part (151a) may have a width corresponding to the width of the clamping member (210). The width of one component may represent a distance in the direction of movement of an object (e.g., +x direction), and such expression may be used substantially the same below unless otherwise noted. A plurality of second parts (152a) are connected to both ends of the first part (151a) and may have a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness. The positions of the plurality of second parts (152a) may not correspond to the positions of the clamping member (210). That is, when the clamping member (210) is viewed from above, the first part (151a) may be located inside the clamping member (210), and the plurality of second parts (152a) may be located outside the clamping member (210). In other words, when the clamping member (210) is viewed in a first direction (e.g., -z direction), the first part (151a) may overlap the clamping member (210), and the plurality of second parts (152a) may not overlap the clamping member (210). The plurality of second parts (152a) may be used as an indicator (or reference) for identifying the position of an object fixed by the clamping member (210). For example, the processor of the conveyor (100) can identify whether an object fixed by the clamping member (210) has stopped at the correct position based on identifying the depth difference between the first part (151a) and the plurality of second parts (152a) through a camera.For example, if the object does not stop at the correct position, at least a portion of the plurality of second parts (152a) may be obscured by the object. The processor may adjust the position of the object via the conveyor belt (120) based on identifying that at least a portion of the plurality of second parts (152a) is obscured by the object.

[0045] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating a clamping structure of a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a cutaway example of a clamping structure of a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a clamping structure of a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the clamping structure (200) may further include an actuator (220), a coupling member (230), a first elastic member (240), a second elastic member (250), a first cushioning member (260), and / or a second cushioning member (270).

[0047] The actuator (220) can provide a driving force to move the clamping member (210). For example, the actuator (220) may include a case (221) and a plunger (222). The case (221) may be spaced apart from the clamping member (210) in a first direction (e.g., -z direction). The case (221) may be coupled (or fixed) to the base (110). For example, referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of fastening members (f1) may fasten the case (221) to the base (110) by penetrating the case (221) on one side of the base (110). A plurality of cushioning members (r1) may surround the plurality of fastening members (f1). For example, each of the plurality of fastening members (f1) may be a screw, but is not limited thereto. Multiple cushioning members (r1) can reduce noise (or vibration) occurring between the base (110) and the case (221). For example, each of the multiple cushioning members (r1) may be a rubber washer, but is not limited thereto. The case (221) may accommodate at least a portion of the plunger (222).

[0048] At least a portion of the plunger (222) may be inserted into the interior of the case (221). The plunger (222) may be movable relative to the case (221). For example, the plunger (222) may be configured to move a specified distance relative to the case (221). That the plunger (222) moves a specified distance may mean that the distance of movement of the plunger (222) relative to the case (221) is fixed, independent of the type (e.g., size) of the object being transported by the conveyor belt (120). For example, the actuator (220) may be a DC solenoid, but is not limited thereto. The plunger (222) may have a shape extending from the case (221) toward the clamping member (210). For example, the plunger (222) may have a shape extending from the case (221) in a second direction (e.g., +z direction) opposite to the first direction (e.g., -z direction).

[0049] The plunger (222) may include a first extension (222a), a first flange (222b), a second extension (222c), a second flange (222d) and / or a fastening member (222e).

[0050] The first extension (222a) may extend from the case (221) toward the clamping member (210). A portion of the first extension (222a) may be inserted into the interior of the case (221). The first extension (222a) may have a first cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area of ​​a component may refer to the size of the area of ​​a component when viewed from above (or when viewed in a first direction (e.g., -z direction)), and such expression may be used identically below unless otherwise noted.

[0051] The first flange portion (222b) may be disposed on the first extension portion (222a). The first flange portion (222b) may have a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area. The first flange portion (222b) may be in contact with the second elastic member (250). By being in contact with the second elastic member (250), the first flange portion (222b) may support the second elastic member (250).

[0052] The second extension (222c) may be disposed on the first flange (222b). The second extension (222c) may have a third cross-sectional area smaller than the second cross-sectional area. For example, the third cross-sectional area of ​​the second extension (222c) may be smaller than the first cross-sectional area of ​​the first extension (222a), but is not limited thereto. The second extension (222c) may be formed integrally with the first flange (222b). For example, the second extension (222c) and the first flange (222b) may each represent different parts of a single component.

[0053] The second flange portion (222d) may be disposed on the second extension portion (222c). The second flange portion (222d) may have a fourth cross-sectional area larger than the third cross-sectional area. The fourth cross-sectional area of ​​the second flange portion (222d) may be smaller than the first cross-sectional area of ​​the first extension portion (222a) and the second cross-sectional area of ​​the first flange portion (222b), but is not limited thereto. The second flange portion (222d) may be in contact with the first elastic member (240). By being in contact with the first elastic member (240), the second flange portion (222d) may support the first elastic member (240).

[0054] The fastening member (222e) can connect the first extension (222a), the first flange (222b), the second extension (222c), and the second flange (222d). For example, the fastening member (222e) can penetrate at least a portion of the first extension (222a), the first flange (222b), the second extension (222c), and the second flange (222d). The plunger (222) can be formed by the fastening member (222e) as the first extension (222a), the first flange (222b), the second extension (222c), and the second flange (222d) are connected. For example, the second flange (222c) can be formed as a washer and the fastening member (222e) can be formed as a screw, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The coupling member (230) may be movable together with the clamping member (210) by being coupled to (or fastened to) the clamping member (210). The coupling member (230) may be penetrated by the plunger (222). For example, the coupling member (230) may be penetrated by the second extension (222c) of the plunger (222). For example, at least a portion of the coupling member (230) may be positioned between the first flange portion (222b) and the second flange portion (222d) of the plunger (222).

[0056] The connecting member (230) may include a flat portion (231) and a fastening portion (232). The flat portion (231) may be penetrated by a plunger (222). For example, the flat portion (231) may include a hole penetrated by a second extension portion (222c) of the plunger (222). The size (or cross-sectional area) of the hole in the flat portion (231) may be greater than or equal to the third cross-sectional area of ​​the second extension portion (222c). The flat portion (231) may surround (or wrap) the second extension portion (222c) between the first flange portion (222b) and the second flange portion (222c). The fastening portion (232) may be fastened to the clamping member (210). The fastening portion (232) may be connected to the flat portion (231). The fastening portion (232) can be fastened to the clamping member (210) by being bent relative to the flat portion (231) and extending from the flat portion (231) in a second direction (e.g., +z direction).

[0057] The first elastic member (240) may be configured to move the clamping member (210) by pressing the coupling member (230) in a first direction (e.g., -z direction) when the plunger (222) moves. The first elastic member (240) may come into contact with the plunger (222) and the coupling member (230). For example, the first elastic member (240) may surround (or wrap around) the second extension (222c) of the plunger (222) and come into contact with the second flange portion (222d) and the flat portion (231) of the coupling member (230). In other words, the first elastic member (240) may come into contact with the second flange portion (222d) and the flat portion (231) between the second flange portion (222d) and the flat portion (231). The first elastic member (240) may be elastically deformable. For example, the first elastic member (240) may be a spring, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The second elastic member (250) may provide an elastic force to restore the position of the plunger (222). The second elastic member (250) may be configured to press the plunger (222) in a second direction (e.g., +z direction) opposite to the first direction (e.g., -z direction). For example, the second elastic member (250) may be configured to press the plunger (222) in the second direction (e.g., +z direction) by contacting the first flange portion (222b) of the plunger (222) with the case (221). The second elastic member (250) may be elastically deformable. For example, the second elastic member (250) may be a spring, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The first cushioning member (260) can reduce noise between the coupling member (230) and the plunger (222). The first cushioning member (260) can be attached to the coupling member (230). The first cushioning member (260) can be attached to the flat portion (231) between the flat portion (231) and the first flange portion (222b) of the coupling member (230). The first cushioning member (260) can be formed of an elastic material. For example, the first cushioning member (260) may be a rubber washer, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] The second cushioning member (270) can reduce noise between the coupling member (230) and the plunger (222). The second cushioning member (270) may be attached to the first flange portion (222b) of the plunger (222). The second cushioning member (270) may be attached to the first flange portion (222b) between the flat portion (231) of the coupling member (230) and the first flange portion (222b). The second cushioning member (270) may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the second cushioning member (270) may be a rubber washer, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an object moving on a conveyor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5, a first object (o1) can move along a conveyor belt (120). After moving along the conveyor belt (120), the first object (o1) can stop at a position corresponding to the position of a clamping member (210). The relationship between the first object (o1) and the conveyor (100) before the first object (o1) is clamped by the clamping member (210) can be explained through FIG. 6a and 6b, and the relationship between the first object (o1) and the conveyor (100) while the first object (o1) is clamped by the clamping member (210) can be confirmed through FIG. 7a and 7b.

[0062] FIG. 6a shows the state before an object is clamped by a clamping structure on a conveyor according to one embodiment, FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conveyor according to one embodiment cut along A-A' of FIG. 6a, FIG. 7a shows the state in which an object is clamped by a clamping structure on a conveyor according to one embodiment, FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conveyor according to one embodiment cut along B-B' of FIG. 7a.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b, the clamping member (210) may include a first cover portion (211), a second cover portion (212), and a clamping portion (213).

[0064] The first cover portion (211) can be fastened to the coupling member (230). The first cover portion (211) is coupled to the fastening portion (232) of the coupling member (230) and may have a shape that extends along a second direction (e.g., +z direction).

[0065] The second cover portion (212) may be connected to the first cover portion (211). The second cover portion (212) may be bent relative to the first cover portion (211). For example, the second cover portion (212) may be perpendicular to the first cover portion (211).

[0066] The clamping portion (213) may be connected to the second cover portion (212). The clamping portion (213) may be bent relative to the second cover portion (212). For example, the clamping portion (213) may be perpendicular to the second cover portion (212). The clamping portion (213) may have a shape parallel to the first cover portion (211). For example, the clamping portion (213) may extend from the second cover portion (212) along a first direction (e.g., -z direction). The clamping portion (213) may come into contact with the first object (o1). By coming into contact with the first object (o1), the clamping portion (213) may press the first object (o1) in the first direction (e.g., -z direction). The first object (o1) can be clamped (or fixed) by being pressed in a first direction (e.g., -z direction) by the clamping part (213).

[0067] In order to secure the first object (o1) through the clamping member (210), the plunger (222) of the actuator (220) can move in a first direction (e.g., -z direction) relative to the case (221). As the first elastic member (240) is pressed in the first direction (e.g., -z direction) by the plunger (222), the clamping member (210) can move in the first direction (e.g., -z direction). For example, when the plunger (222) moves in the first direction (e.g., -z direction) relative to the case (221), the second flange portion (222d) of the plunger (222) can press the first elastic member (240) in the first direction (e.g., -z direction). The first elastic member (240), which is pressed by the second flange portion (222d), can press the flat portion (231) of the coupling member (230) in a first direction (e.g., -z direction). As the flat portion (231) is pressed in the first direction (e.g., -z direction), the clamping member (210) coupled to the fastening portion (232) of the coupling member (230) moves in the first direction (e.g., -z direction), and the clamping portion (213) of the clamping member (210) can clamp the first object (o1). The first cushioning member (260) attached to the flat portion (231) and the second cushioning member (270) attached to the first flange portion (222b) can reduce the noise caused when the first elastic member (240) presses the flat portion (231).

[0068] The clamping structure (200) may further include a magnet (280) configured to fix the position of the clamping member (210) while the clamping part (213) clamps the first object (o1). The magnet (280) may have its magnetism temporarily removed by power applied from outside the clamping structure (200). For example, the magnet (280) may mean a permanent magnet, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the magnet (280) may be an electromagnet. The magnet (280) may be attached to the actuator (220). For example, the magnet (280) may be attached to the lower surface of the case (221). The magnet (280) can fix the position of the plunger (222) and the position of the clamping member (210) while the clamping member (210) clamps the first object (o1) by providing a force to the plunger (222) in a first direction (e.g., -z direction). In other words, the magnet (280) can fix the position of the plunger (222) and the position of the clamping member (210) by providing an attractive force to the plunger (222) when the plunger (222) is lowered. The position of the clamping member (210) can be restored as the magnetism of the magnet (280) is temporarily removed by the power applied to the magnet (280).

[0069] After the magnetism of the magnet (280) is temporarily removed, the position of the clamping member (210) can be restored by the second elastic member (250). The magnitude of the first force in the second direction (e.g., +z direction) by the second elastic member (250) may be smaller than the sum of the magnitude of the second force in the first direction (e.g., -z direction) by the magnet (280) and the magnitude of the third force, which is the self-weight of the components of the clamping structure (200) excluding the magnet (280) and the case (221). The magnitude of the first force in the second direction (e.g., +z direction) by the second elastic member (250) may be larger than the magnitude of the third force, which is the self-weight of the components of the clamping structure (200) excluding the case (221). When the magnitude of the first force is smaller than the sum of the magnitudes of the second force and the third force, and the magnetism of the magnet (280) is temporarily removed so that the second force disappears, the clamping member (210) can move in a second direction (e.g., +z direction) by means of the second elastic member (250). For example, the second elastic member (250) can move the plunger (222) in a second direction (e.g., +z direction) by pressing the first flange portion (222b) in a second direction (e.g., +z direction). As the plunger (222) moves in a second direction (e.g., +z direction), the planar portion (231) of the coupling member (230) can be pressed in a second direction (e.g., +z direction) through the second buffer member (270) and the first buffer member (260). As the planar portion (231) is pressed in the second direction (e.g., +z direction), the clamping member (210) coupled to the fastening portion (232) can move in the second direction (e.g., +z direction). When the position of the clamping member (210) is restored, the relationship between the clamping structure (200) and the object (o1) can be restored as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0070] FIG. 8 shows an example of an object being moved on a conveyor according to one embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 8 shows that after a predetermined process (e.g., inspection) is completed for a first object (o1) that was clamped by a clamping member (210), the clamping of the first object (o1) by the clamping member (210) can be released. After the clamping is released, the conveyor belt (120) can move the first object (o1).

[0072] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a state in which an object different from FIG. 7b is clamped in a conveyor according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a state in which a second object (o2) having a different size from the first object (o1) of FIG. 7b is clamped by a clamping member (210).

[0073] Referring to FIG. 7b and FIG. 9, the size of the second object (o2) may be larger than the size of the first object (o1). For example, the thickness (t2) of the second object (o2) may be thicker than the thickness (t1) of the first object (o1). The first elastic member (240) may be deformed to compensate for a specified distance of the plunger (222) in response to a change in the size of the object. For example, when the object being transported by the conveyor (100) is the second object (o2), the distance that the clamping member (210) can move in the first direction (e.g., -z direction) may be reduced compared to when it is the first object (o1). Since the plunger (222) moves a specified distance in the first direction (e.g., -z direction) relative to the case (221) regardless of the size of the object being transported by the conveyor (100), the specified distance may not be compensated if the object being transported by the conveyor (100) becomes larger. The first elastic member (240) can adjust the relative positions of the coupling member (230) and the plunger (222) by deforming in response to a change in the size of the object. For example, the first elastic member (240) can be compressed more when the object being transported by the conveyor (100) is the second object (o2) than when it is the first object (o1). Since the positions of the coupling member (230) and the plunger (222) are adjusted relatively by the deformation of the first elastic member (240), the positions of the clamping member (210) and the plunger (222) coupled to the coupling member (230) can be adjusted relatively by the first elastic member (240). Accordingly, the specified distance of the plunger (222) can be compensated by the first elastic member (240).

[0074] As described above, a conveyor (100) according to one embodiment can provide a clamping structure (200) capable of clamping objects of various sizes while having a relatively simple structure and reducing costs. For example, in a conveyor (100) according to one embodiment, a relatively simple and inexpensive actuator (220) is included, and since objects of various sizes can be clamped through a first elastic member (240), a simple yet highly versatile conveyor (100) can be provided.

[0075] Although the technical concept of the present disclosure has been described by some embodiments and examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departing from the technical concept and scope of the present disclosure as understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Furthermore, such substitutions, modifications, and changes should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A conveyor belt configured to move objects; A clamping member configured to fix the above object; An actuator comprising a case spaced apart from the clamping member in a first direction, and a plunger having a shape extending from the case toward the clamping member and configured to move by a distance specified in the first direction relative to the case; A coupling member that is fastened to the clamping member, is movable together with the clamping member, and is penetrated by the plunger; and It includes a first elastic member configured to move the clamping member by pressing the coupling member in the first direction when the plunger moves, by contacting the plunger and the coupling member. The first elastic member above is, Configured to deform to compensate for the specified distance of the plunger in response to a change in the size of the above object, Conveyor.

2. In Paragraph 1, A second elastic member further comprising, by contacting a part of the plunger located between the coupling member and the case and the case, the second elastic member configured to press the plunger in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Conveyor.

3. In Paragraph 2, It further includes a magnet attached to the above case and configured to fix the position of the clamping member by providing a force in the first direction to the plunger, and The above clamping member is, As the magnetism of the magnet is removed by externally applied power, the plunger is configured to move in the second direction by applying pressure, Conveyor.

4. In Paragraph 2, A first cushioning member attached to the above-mentioned coupling member; and A second cushioning member further comprising a second cushioning member attached to the portion of the plunger and facing the first cushioning member. Conveyor.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above plunger is, A first extension portion having a first cross-sectional area and extending from the case toward the clamping member; A first flange portion disposed on the first extension portion and having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area; A second extension portion disposed on the first flange portion and having a third cross-sectional area smaller than the second cross-sectional area; and It includes a second flange portion disposed on the second extension portion and having a fourth cross-sectional area larger than the third cross-sectional area, The first elastic member above is, Surrounding the second extension portion and in contact with the second flange portion and the coupling member, Conveyor.

6. In Paragraph 5, The first flange portion and the second extension portion are integrally formed, and The above plunger is, A first extension, a first flange, a second extension, and a second flange are combined by means of a fastening member penetrating the first extension, the first flange, the second extension, and the second flange, thereby being formed. Conveyor.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above clamping member is, A first cover portion that is fastened to the above-mentioned coupling member and extends along a second direction opposite to the first direction; A second cover portion connected to the first cover portion and perpendicular to the first cover portion; and A clamping portion including a second cover portion that is perpendicular to the second cover portion, extends along the first direction from the second cover portion, and is configured to contact the object. Conveyor.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned connecting member is, A planar portion including a hole penetrated by the above plunger; and A fastening portion that is bent with respect to the above-mentioned planar portion and extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby being fastened to the clamping member, Conveyor.

9. In Paragraph 1, A base supporting the above conveyor belt; and A plurality of fastening members further comprising fastening members that fasten the case to the base by penetrating the case on one side of the base. Conveyor.

10. In Paragraph 9, A plurality of cushioning members further comprising a plurality of fastening members surrounding the plurality of fastening members. Conveyor.

11. In Paragraph 9, A plurality of lower guides coupled to the base and having a shape extended along the direction of movement of the object, configured to support the lower surface of the conveyor belt; and A plurality of upper guides further comprising a plurality of upper guides coupled to the above base, having a shape extended along the direction of movement of the object, and configured to support the upper surface of the conveyor belt. Conveyor.

12. In Paragraph 11, Among the plurality of upper guides mentioned above, the upper guide positioned at a position corresponding to the position of the clamping member is, A first portion having a first thickness; and A plurality of second parts connected to both ends of the first part and having a second thickness thinner than the first thickness, Conveyor.

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